What Can I Do If My Neighbor Has A Rat Problem?

If your neighbor has a rat problem, it’s natural to worry that those rodents might wander into your yard or even your home. Rats don’t respect property lines, and once they detect food, water, or shelter, they may explore neighboring properties. The good news? Even if surrounding homes aren’t pest-free, you can still protect your Denver property with effective prevention and professional pest control.

What This Blog Will Cover

• How rats travel from one yard to another
• Key steps to rodent-proof your property
• How home pest control plans work, even if neighbors aren’t on board
• When to call a professional for help

Why Rats From a Neighboring Yard Can Be a Problem

Rats are constantly searching for food, water, and shelter. If there’s an active rodent infestation next door, your yard can quickly become a target. Even small resources, like pet food left outside, garden produce, or standing water, can attract rats. Once they find a reliable source, they may stay and even attempt to enter your home.

How to Rodent-Proof Your Yard

While a neighborhood-wide effort is ideal, it’s not always possible to get everyone involved. The good news is that individual homeowners can take significant steps to protect their property from rodent problems:

Remove Food and Water Sources

• Pick up pet waste and store pet food indoors
• Harvest garden fruits and vegetables promptly
• Avoid leaving standing water in dishes, planters, or puddles

Secure Outdoor Structures and Clutter

• Keep trash bins closed and don’t let them overflow
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house
• Bring outdoor furniture cushions inside when not in use
• Remove leaves, branches, and other debris that could hide rodents

Rodent-Proof Your Home

• Inspect and seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility entrances
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors
• Keep your garage door closed when not in use

Maintain Landscaping

• Trim shrubs and other vegetation away from the home
• Cut back tree branches so they don’t touch the roof or sides of the house
• Reduce dense plantings near walls to eliminate rodent pathways

Can a Home Pest Control Plan Protect You?

Even if the property next door or other neighbors haven’t joined the fight, professional pest control can make a big difference. A year-round home pest control plan helps:

• Prevent rats from entering your property
• Reduce their population near your home
• Protect against common household pests at the same time

With professional monitoring, perimeter treatments, and preventive measures, rats and other pests won’t have the chance to take over your home. 

Professional Rodent Control Services in Denver

At EnviroPest, we’ve been helping homeowners protect their properties since 1965. Our Colorado’s Choice SMART Service includes:

• Year-round pest protection
• Four seasonal service visits
• Coverage for 30+ common pests
• Free re-treat services
• Rodent control and 24/7 digital rodent monitoring

Available in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Loveland, and throughout Northern Colorado, our SMART Service plan ensures your home stays protected even when neighborhood rats are a concern.

Protect your Denver home from rats today. Contact EnviroPest to schedule your year-round service online. Don’t wait for rats to find their way into your yard!

FAQ: Neighborhood Rat Problems

Q: Can rats from my neighbor’s yard enter my home?
Yes. Rats will travel across properties in search of food, water, and shelter. Taking preventive steps reduces the risk.

Q: What are the best ways to keep rats away in Denver?
Eliminate food and water sources, seal entry points, maintain landscaping, and consider professional pest control.

Q: Do home pest control plans work if neighbors don’t participate?
Absolutely. While neighborhood efforts help, professional rodent removal experts provide strong protection at the property level.

This blog was originally published on 10/19/2015; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.